Su Fengji, Chinese official and chancellor

Su Fengji (蘇逢吉), a prominent political figure during the tumultuous Chinese Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period, served as a chancellor of the short-lived Later Han state. His career, marked by considerable influence in the imperial court, culminated dramatically with his suicide on January 2, 951 AD, amidst the chaos of a major rebellion that ultimately led to the dynasty's collapse.

Historically, Su Fengji's tenure as chancellor was widely marred by descriptions of his profound cruelty and insatiable greed. These characteristics, often attributed to corrupt high-ranking officials of that turbulent era, likely manifested in practices such as extortion, the ruthless accumulation of wealth and power, and political machinations against perceived rivals. Such behavior undoubtedly contributed to the instability and internal resentment within the Later Han court, further weakening the fledgling dynasty.

The demise of Su Fengji was inextricably linked to the final, fatal conflict that brought down the Later Han dynasty. Emperor Liu Chengyou, known posthumously as Emperor Yin, the second and last ruler of Later Han, faced a formidable challenge from the highly capable General Guo Wei. This period was fraught with intense power struggles between the young, often impulsive emperor and his powerful military commanders, of whom Guo Wei was the most significant.

Emperor Yin's ill-fated decision to personally confront Guo Wei's burgeoning rebellion proved disastrous. General Guo Wei, a military strategist who had grown increasingly disillusioned with the imperial court's management and the emperor's actions, led his forces to challenge the very foundation of the Later Han state. As Emperor Liu Chengyou attempted to lead his imperial army against Guo Wei's advancing rebels, his forces suffered a decisive defeat. Emperor Yin was subsequently killed, either during the chaotic retreat or shortly thereafter, marking the effective end of the Later Han dynasty.

Confronted with the utter collapse of the regime he served and the tragic death of his sovereign, Su Fengji chose to commit suicide. This act underscored the complete and irreversible loss of his political power and position, and was a common, albeit desperate, measure taken by high-ranking officials of the time to avoid capture, potential execution, or public humiliation at the hands of the victorious new regime.

Frequently Asked Questions about Su Fengji and the Later Han Dynasty

Who was Su Fengji?

Su Fengji (蘇逢吉) was a chancellor, a high-ranking official, of the Later Han dynasty during China's Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. He was historically noted for his cruel and greedy character.

What was the Later Han dynasty?

The Later Han (947-951 AD) was one of the Five Dynasties, a series of short-lived imperial regimes in northern China during the tumultuous Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (907-960 AD), which followed the collapse of the Tang Dynasty and preceded the Song Dynasty.

Who was Emperor Liu Chengyou (Emperor Yin)?

Emperor Liu Chengyou, known as Emperor Yin, was the second and final emperor of the Later Han dynasty. His reign was short and ended when he was killed during General Guo Wei's rebellion.

Who was General Guo Wei?

Guo Wei was a powerful and capable military general who served the Later Han dynasty but eventually led a rebellion against Emperor Liu Chengyou. His successful rebellion led to the collapse of the Later Han and the establishment of the Later Zhou dynasty, which he founded.

Why did Su Fengji commit suicide?

Su Fengji committed suicide on January 2, 951 AD, after Emperor Liu Chengyou (Emperor Yin) was killed while battling General Guo Wei's rebellion. His suicide was a response to the complete collapse of the Later Han regime and the death of his emperor, likely to avoid capture, execution, or humiliation by the victorious rebels.